Retrieving Code for Windows XP

[Debbie]

I am trying to reformat my computer and when moving I
misplaced my code. Can someone help me in retrieving my
code from the computer so I will be able to reformat? I
would appreciat any help I can get.

Thank You, Debbie

 

[John Ski]

Subject: Retrieving Code for Windows XP

From: "Debbie" (e-mail address removed)
Date: 11/6/2003 9:05 AM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: <[email protected]>

I am trying to reformat my computer and when moving I
misplaced my code. Can someone help me in retrieving my
code from the computer so I will be able to reformat? I
would appreciat any help I can get.

Thank You, Debbie

KeyFinder, free, from www.magicaljellybean.com will retrieve the Product Key
from your PC if XP is installed and running.

HTH,
John
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"
***Arthur C. Clarke***

 

[Shanmanz]

TRy this
http://www.thatcomputerguy.us/archives/000018.html

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Debbie.

By "code", do you mean the Product Key? That is usually on an orange
sticker on the WinXP CD-ROM case, with a label that says, "Don't Lose This
Product Key!"?

But you don't need that product key to reformat your hard drive. You must
be talking about something else.

What make and model computer? Did it come with Windows pre-installed?
Which version of Windows: WinXP Pro? WinXP Home? Win9x/ME?

In most cases, to reformat Drive C:, you just boot from the WinXP CD-ROM and
follow the prompts, including the early one that offers to repartition
and/or reformat the HD. Some time later, when you start to install Windows,
it will ask for the product key. But, each Original Equipment Manufacturer
customizes WinXP to fit their own computer products and may use a quite
different procedure. That's why you may need to tell us the make and model
of YOUR computer, which may be not at all like MY computer. A Dell doesn't
do it like an HP.

RC

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php to find the Product
Key. (If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.


Bruce Chambers

--
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having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Alex Nichol]

I am trying to reformat my computer and when moving I
misplaced my code. Can someone help me in retrieving my
code from the computer so I will be able to reformat?

Provided the system is still bootable, get the free Aida 32, enterprise
edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine